Reverend Charles H. Pool

Died April 23, 2014

  CEDAR - Rev. Charles H. Pool of Cedar, MI died in the Arms of Jesus on April 23, 2014 at the age of 93 at Mercy Hospital of Cadillac, MI.

  Rev. Pool was born to Ivan and Anna (Hilke) in Paducah, KY on April 22, 1921.
He married Geraldine (Geri) Johnson of Suttons Bay on April 21, 1957.

  Jesus blessed their marriage with three children: Charles H. Pool II, Beth Thompson and Kathryn Dakota, three grandchildren: Matthew Thompson, Kristyn Haverkamp and Aunnalea Boyd and two great granddaughters: Rayne and Ember Haverkamp.

  He is survived by his wife, three children, one son-in-law Kevin Thompson, two grandchildren, two grandsons in-law Justin Haverkamp and Calen Boyd, two great grandchildren, sister Martha and husband Fred Chael and brother John and wife Joyce plus numerous cousins, nephews and nieces.

  Rev. Pool was preceded in death by his Father Ivan, Mother Anna (Hilke), Sister Mary Anna Monroe and Brother Ivan all of Paducah, KY.

  Rev. Pool graduated from: St Paul’s Lutheran Elementary of Paducah, KY (1934), St Paul’s High and Jr. College of Concordia, MO (1940); Concordia Lutheran Seminary of St. Louis, MO (1945) earning a BA in Theology majoring in Homiletics; and Northwestern MO State University of Maryville, MO (1972) with a Master’s degree in Old English.

  Rev. Pool completed his vicarage at Gethsemane Lutheran Church of Detroit, MI and served numerous LCMS congregations: Trinity of Berkley, MI, Bethel of Grandville, MI, Holy Trinity of Bowling Green, KY, Bethel of Fort Smith, AK, St. Peter’s and St. John’s of Craig and Corning, MO, Bethlehem West of Detroit, MI and St. Matthew’s of Spring Lake, MI.

  During his ministry Rev. Pool served additional positions including:  Youth Counselor under the Berkley, MI Police Department, LCMS MI District Circuit Counselor in Greater Detroit and Grand Haven Areas, Town and Gown Counselor at Western University of KY at Bowling Green, KY and Counselor to the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League in the St. Joseph, MO Circuit. 

  Following his retirement in 1983, he served numerous LCMS vacancies in MI and one in Germany. During his 69 years of service, he never stopped teaching, "By grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Eph. 2:8.  When he became semi-house bound, he continued to witness through his blog - 1stAmendmentAmen.us.

  One of his earthly goals before his death was to provide a safe and beautiful home for his wife.  He lived to enjoy the new condo in Cadillac, MI for approximately 2 hours and then was carried to his new everlasting home to live with the Holy Trinity and all the saints and now sees Jesus his Savior face to face. 

  Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Wednesday, April 30 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Good Harbor, MI. The funeral service, led by Rev. Robert Wurst, will begin at 12 noon.  A luncheon will immediately follow. After the meal, the committal will take place at the Lutheran Cemetery of Suttons Bay, MI.

  LCMS clergy are encouraged to robe, wear white stoles and participate in the processional and recessional for the funeral service. 

  Please send memorials to Concordia Seminary – Student Fund, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105 or to Concordia Theological Seminary – Student Fund, 6600 North Clinton Street, Fort Wayne, IN 46825 and/or to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 2943 S.  Manitou Trail, Cedar, MI 49621.

  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

 

 

Walter Haugaard Nielsen

Died April 20, 2014

 

LAKE LEELANAU – Walter Haugaard Nielsen, 88, of Lake Leelanau, passed away on Sunday, April 20, 2014 at Munson Medical Center.

  Walt was born on September 4, 1925 in Omaha, Nebraska, the son of Niels and Jensine Nielsen.  He served in the United States Army Air Corps in World War II. 

  Walt met his future wife, Jeanne Florian, at a USO canteen during the war. They were married January 3, 1947. 

  Walt graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Chemical Engineering.  He had a 30 year career at Dow Chemical.  For many years Walt was a volunteer Boy Scout leader.  In 1983, he retired to Lake Leelanau to be near family.  During retirement he did volunteer work with the Leelanau Conservancy.

  Walt is survived by his wife, Jeanne; children, Nancy Dack, Richard Nielsen, Karen Nielsen (Fred Bimber), Jeffrey Nielsen, Judy Nielsen, Randy Nielsen (Marlene Goormastic), Mary Nielsen (Joe Wilson) and Jennifer Nielsen (Chuck Ransom); a sister, Edith Dunham; 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

  Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 23 at 1 p.m. with a visitation held one hour prior at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  Burial will follow at the Keswick Maple Grove Cemetery.  Father Michael Janowski will serve as celebrant.

  Memorials may be directed to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 5228, Traverse City, MI 49696 and/or the Leelanau Conservancy, P.O. Box 1007, Leland, MI 49654.

 

Mathilda E.A. Martinson

Died April 3, 2014

SUTTONS BAY – Mathilda Emily Anne (Schlueter) Martinson, 98, of Suttons Bay passed away Thursday, April 3, 2014 at Munson Hospice House.

  Millie was born Oct. 22, 1915 on the Schlueter family farm.  She was the daughter of John Henry and Rosa (Hohnke) Schlueter.  On March 24, 1936 at the First Lutheran Church of Suttons Bay she married her loving husband of 62 years, Raymond Wellington Martinson, who preceded her in death on Nov. 25, 1998.  She was still using their treasured heirloom wedding trousseau suite from Schenectady until her passing.

  A true daughter of Leelanau, she was born, raised and spent her entire life in the county.  She was confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Good Harbor and was a member of First Lutheran in Suttons Bay and lived a life well lived that spanned the horse and buggy to today’s modern era.

  Millie attended the Martin School on Amore Road during the one room school house era.  As there weren’t enough skis between her and her siblings they would each ski on a single homemade ski down the hills from their farmhouse to attend school.

  A spirited and slightly mischievous young lady, Millie would disassemble and reassemble her parent’s alarm clocks and once when she was 13, Millie and a cohort “borrowed” a relative’s car and drove to Traverse City - teaching herself the rules of the road as she went.  An enterprising young lady she and her sister, Tillie, installed a gas pump at the Schlueter family farm and sold gas to the area farmers. 

  To pursue high school at the newly created Leland Public High School, Millie moved into Leland to live with her grandmother, Otilla (Otto) Hohnke.  In those days girls were required to wear skirts and she often dreaded the cold winter trek from her grandmother’s house on Christmas Tree Corner to school as the winds off of Lake Michigan almost blew her over the bridge. 

  Millie also had the opportunity to meet her grandmother’s good friend and legendary film actress, Carole Lombard.  Carole would often visit them in Leland and they would share stories over coffee and pie.

  This friendship influenced Millie’s love of performing in plays and musicals, oftentimes staged upstairs of the old Morey’s Grocery Store in Suttons Bay.  She also once had the lead role in a play that was so successful that it was moved from Leland to the old Michigan Theater in Traverse City.

  From the day of their marriage until 1974, Millie and Ray were the second generation to operate Leelanau County’s only funeral home and ambulance service, the Martinson Funeral Home.  The 24/7 nature of those two endeavors left little personal freedom, but Millie’s personal touch, compassion, and attention to detail  never wavered when it came to those who entrusted the funeral home with the care of their loved one.

  Her character of hard work and independence was evident well into her golden years.  Millie would be out and about picking up brush, painting, and scolding anyone who tried to assist - all while living independently until this past January.

  Millie was the family grand dame, the Rose Kennedy to our crazy clan, and supreme matriarch.  She was kindness personified, non-judgmental, and a protector and confidante to her grandchildren.  Anything confided to her would stay with her and her alone.  She gave sound counsel to keep her grandchildren safe, especially if anything on the police scanner arose during their alleged “social events.”

  Many in town will remember a very large black Cadillac driven by a little lady who could barely see over the steering wheel.  Even at the age of 95, Millie never turned down a motorcycle ride and loved beach parties.  The family will cherish the wonderful memories made at Millie’s beach house – a house that she and Ray built in 1937 that has been the family bonding site for generations.

   Millie is survived by her three children, Robert (Kumiko) Martinson, Sandra (Ray) Bufka, Cynthia (Eugene) Charest; a sister, Ida Dempsey; seven grandchildren, Chad (Jennifer) Bufka, Beth Charest, Eric (Tina) Charest, Dolly Martinson, Don (Christine) Martinson, Nick (Natasha) Martinson, Ranve Martinson; ten great grandchildren, Naomi Myers, Natalie Myers, Savannah Thompson, Teagan Martinson, Ava Martinson, Noah Charest, Paige Charest, Madison Charest, Shyah Charest and Staley Charest. 

  She was preceded in death by her siblings; Othilda Snohr and Theodore Schlueter; an infant brother, Wilbur H. Schlueter; and a grandson, Todd Bufka.

  Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. with a sharing of memories of Millie at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 14 at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. with visitation one hour prior on Tuesday, April 15 also at the funeral home.  Burial in the Lutheran Cemetery of Suttons Bay will follow.  Reverend Kent R. Lee will officiate.

  The Martinson family extends their deepest appreciation to Bob and Fran of the Toy House Retirement Home of Suttons Bay.  Your genuine care and compassion for our dearest Millie will never be forgotten.

  Memorials may be directed to the Lutheran Cemetery Association, PO Box 206, Suttons Bay, MI, 49682.

  Please share memories with Millie’s family at their online obituary at www.martinson.info.

  Millie is being served by her family, the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.



Gladys D. Elmore

Died April 7, 2014

NORTHPORT – Gladys Duncan Elmore, 95, of Northport passed away Monday, April 7, 2014 at Tendercare of Leelanau in Suttons Bay with her loving family at her side.

  Gladys was born July 12, 1918 in Marion, N.C., the daughter of James F. Duncan and Lela (Seagle) Duncan.  Gladys lived in North Carolina and moved to Detroit with her parents when she was 16 years old.  She graduated from Cosmetology School in Detroit and was a hair dresser for most of her life and owned several beauty shops.  She returned to North Carolina when she was 55 years old.

  While living in North Carolina, Gladys opened a guest home and raised her granddaughter, Michele, from infancy through college. She moved to Northport in 2006 to live with her daughter (Linda) and son-in-law (Dan).  She loved flowers, gardening and sharing stories of her childhood with family and friends. 

  Gladys is survived by her children, Linda (Cosellin) Giroux of Northport, MI, Michael (Vickie) Cosellin of Hendersonville, NC; four grandchildren, Michael Dargis, Melissa Dargis, Michele Cosellin-Durham, Jason (Laura) Dargis; three great grandchildren, Adrian Dargis, Jake Dargis and Dylan Dargis. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Cosellin and a brother, Lee Duncan.

  Visitation will be held on Friday, April 11 from 11 a.m. to 3:00 pm with the Funeral Service following at 3:30 pm at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay. The Rev. Tom Otis will officiate. Burial in Leelanau Township Cemetery in Northport will be announced at a later date. 

  Memorials may be directed to the American Diabetes Association, c/o Bingham Farms, 300 Galleria Officentre, Ste. 111, Southfield, MI 48034.

  Please share memories of Gladys at her online obituary at www.martinson.info.

  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

 

 

 

Norman R. Creamer

Died April 1, 2014

EXCELSIOR TWP. KALKASKA – Norman Roy Creamer, 77, of Kalkaska passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, April 1 2014 at his home.

  Norman was born on Feb. 15, 1937 in Muskegon, the son of Richard and Virginia (Howell) Creamer.  He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Kay "Katy" Ann (Cooper) Creamer.

  Norm graduated from Michigan State University in 1960 with a BSA where he attended on a full ride athletic scholarship as a baseball pitcher. He was recruited by the White Sox but chose to attend college, where he met his future wife Katy.

  After graduating, Norm became a highly successful Life Insurance General agent.  At the time Norm became the youngest member of the MDRT (Million Dollar Round Table). Norm founded Golden Rule Associates with 12 agents in Grand Rapids while still in his twenties.  He started a second agency in Suttons Bay also called Golden Rule Associates in 1975. 

  Norm was noted for being a key note motivational speaker at: National insurance conventions, Universities, Boy Scouts of America, Unity Churches and other civic organizations (known as Mister Excitement).

  Norm left a very lucrative business career to start an accredited children's school in 1971, SOLAR (School of Light and Realization) north of Suttons Bay with his wife and parents.  SOLAR also included an adult spiritual education program that included summer camps for children and adult Freedom Festivals. There was a year round self-sufficient community of 80 people which supported themselves through the sale of crafts made at the community. 

  Norm was ordained as a teacher of the Coptic Fellowship by his spiritual teachers, Hamid Bey and Kurt Stanley which served as the spiritual foundation for his life’s mission and work.  The myth of Camelot and the Arthurian Legend were an integral part of Norm's philosophy.

  At age 14 Norm had a spiritual experience while fishing for Bluegill which became a life passion.   This symbolized to Norm the Knights search for the Holy Grail.  This led him on a cross country journey to recapture that perfect moment that lasted his whole life.

  In addition to his loving wife of 54 years, Norman is survived by his children: Michael (Letha) Creamer, Kimberly Creamer, Christopher (Mariana) Creamer, and Noah Creamer; brothers, David Creamer (Diane), Tom Creamer, and Steve Creamer (Yvonne); a sister, Kathy (John) Loveless; and 9 grandchildren: Jessica, Hannah, Oliver, Sierra, Agustin, Ignacio, Camila Creamer, Akasha, Keeston Creamer-Sutherland, and his beloved dog Molly the Magnificent Mutt.

  A gathering of friends and family celebrating Norman’s life will be held on Friday, April 11th from 4-6 PM at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay. Followed by a potluck gathering at Bahle Park Warming Hut in the Village of Suttons Bay.  Bring your voices and instruments to celebrate his life.

John Bagley Watkins

1923 ~ 2014

  John Watkins, 91, of Leland died on April 6, after a brief illness.  John was born in Detroit on March 20, 1923.  He graduated from Detroit University School, received a B.A. from Princeton University and an MBA from the University of Michigan. He was among the first Chartered Financial Analysts (CFA) in the country.  He served in the US Army in World War II and flew in Korea during the Korean Conflict.  John lived in Grosse Pointe and worked for Detroit Bank and Trust Co. until 1977 when he moved to Leland and opened an investment counseling firm.  He officially retired in 2003.

  John was an avid golfer who loved playing with longtime friends and family.  He was a fixture at Men's day at the Leland Country Club until he was almost ninety.  He may be remembered most by his curse "Oh John!", when he dubbed a short chip.  He learned to downhill ski in the 1940’s and enjoyed it for much of his life.  He also played tennis regularly well into his eighties. For over thirty years John was a regular at the International Coffee Club of Leland enjoying discussions and camaraderie of friends.  He enjoyed the NMC International Affairs Forum and the Economic Club of Traverse City as well as the Old Town Playhouse.  Throughout his life John was active in the communities he was a part of; he was president of the Leland Country Club, a founding member of ShareCare, a long time Treasurer of the Leland Community Improvement Association, and an early supporter of the Leelanau Conservancy.

  He was an avid sports fan who followed Detroit sports, the Michigan Wolverines and his beloved Princeton Tigers.  He enjoyed intelligent discussion with friends and family, having a keen interest in many things.  Later in life, he was fortunate to find a good friend and companion in Ann Studer of Lake Leelanau who helped keep him active and well fed.

  John is predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Jean H. Watkins.  He is survived by his three sons, Warren (Ann) of Leland, John, Jr. (Shelley) of Leland and David (Maureen) of Brevard, NC and Leland, as well as seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

  A memorial service will be held in Leland this summer.

  Memorial contributions may be made to The Leelanau Conservancy P.O. Box 1007 Leland, MI 49654 and/or ShareCare of Leelanau 7401 E. Duck Lake Rd, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653 and/or to an organization of your choice.

  Please share memories with the Watkins family at their online obituary at www.martinson.info.

  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

 

 

 

 

Robert P. Richter

Died March 25, 2014

SUTTONS BAY – Robert Perry Richter, 78, of Suttons Bay, passed away Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at Munson Medical Center.

  Robert was born on Dec. 16, 1935 on the Richter family farm in Bingham Twp., the son of Cyrus and Violet (Lindley) Richter.
  Bob loved his occupation as a cross country truck driver for which he drove for 25 years and over 2 million miles.  He never had an accident and always insisted on his truck being immaculate.  He loved the outdoors and enjoyed snowmobiling.  Bob was a very energetic man and always on the go.
  Bob is survived by his son, Rickey Ray Richter; two grandchildren, Cory and Samantha Richter; his brothers, Joel and Michael (Dede) Richter; and several nieces and nephews.
  He was preceded in death by his brothers, Nicholas and Lawrence.
  Graveside services at Keswick Maple Grove Cemetery will be announced at a later date.
  Memorials may be directed to Suttons Bay-Bingham Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 280, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.
  Please share memories with the Richter family at their online obituary at www.martinson.info.
  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.



Joseph W. Scott

Died March 31, 2014

CEDAR – Joseph William Scott, 43, of Cedar, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 31, 2014 at Munson Medical Center.

  Joe was born on Nov. 28, 1970 in Traverse City, the son of Paul and Tracy Scott.  On Aug. 14, 2008 on South Manitou Island he married Edie Aylsworth, who survives.

  Joe was a 1989 graduate from Leland High School.  He spent two years studying business at Northwestern Michigan Community College.  He was employed at Northwood Kitchens for 24 years where he served as president of the company. Joe’s favorite activities included snowmobiling, skiing, boating and morel mushroom hunting.  He was an avid outdoorsman and could often be found in the woods hunting for the infamous whitetail.  Though these things kept Joe very active, his favorite pastime was spending as much time as he could on South Manitou Island.  You would often find Joe surrounded by his many friends.  His contagious laughter and Cheshire smile made him the most enchanting soul.  Though Joe enjoyed many endeavors and his friends, more than anything else he enjoyed spending as much time as possible with his family.

  In addition to his wife, Edie, Joe is survived by his parents; sister, Jenni (Jon) Henderson; daughter, Hannah; and son, Dylan; and numerous friends.

  Visitation will be held on Friday, April 4, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.  The funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 5 at 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Leland, with a visitation held one hour prior.  Urn burial will take place at Beechwood Cemetery at a later date.  The Rev. Lawrence Matro will officiate.

  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed Joe’s children for their education, P.O. Box 159, Suttons Bay, MI 49682.

  Please share memories with Joe’s family at their online obituary at www.martinson.info.

  Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.